Badger dies after being found heavily entangled in barbed wire

Badger dies after being found heavily entangled in barbed wire

A FEMALE badger has died after being found heavily entangled in a snare and barbed wire in Lampeter.

The adult female badger was found in the Lampeter area and was believed to have been trapped for a few days.

RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Ellie West said: “The badger was very tangled up at the bottom of some fencing. There was no way the badger could have escaped, but luckily I was able to cut all wire and take the badger immediately to an independent vets.

“The badger was sedated and during the examination the vet found that the snare had become totally embedded into her stomach. There was infection and was very swollen and sore and it is likely that the badger had been there for at least three days.

“Sadly, to prevent further suffering the vet decided that the kindest thing to do was to put the badger to sleep.
“This incident really does highlight the cruel and indiscriminate nature of snares.”

The device was not a self-locking snare, which are illegal, but it was not set in accordance with the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice regarding snare use. Furthermore, it is offence to trap badgers with snares under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to injure, kill or take a badger, under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 except under licence.

It is a legal requirement that snares be checked at least once a day, yet from the severity of the injuries caused to a lot of animals it seems that many people do not follow even this minimal requirement.

The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any trap which causes suffering. Snares are cruel and indiscriminate in what they catch. About 40 percent of snared animals are not the intended target species.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. All calls are treated in confidence.

Never try to free an animal from a snare or trap – you risk hurting yourself and the animal and it could be an offence if the animal was legally caught. Stay back to avoid stressing the animal and call us with the location on our 24-hour emergency line 0300 1234 999. More advice is available on our website at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.

If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru rescue animals such as this, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and rely on public donations.

Miss Edwards said: “To be appointed a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet is among the highest honours a Cadet can receive. Whether on parade with me for Royal visits, Church services or accompanying me to a hospital or a care home, you will be ambassadors not just for your organisation or indeed the Lieutenancy but, may I say, for all of the young people in your region.

“It is a role to relish, be proud of and to use for an instrument of good. I look forward to being supported and assisted by you at every opportunity. As Her Majesty The Queen herself has said, with enough training, you can do anything.”

They were selected for their outstanding extra-curricular achievements and will now accompany HM Lord-Lieutenant at official engagements. It will include playing an active role at ceremonial events, such as Royal visits and Remembrance services held in Dyfed.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed’s Cadets for 2017 received a badge and certificate for their year of service. The group included; Leading Cadet Huw Jenkins from Fishguard SCC, Mr Niall Hooper formerly of Milford Haven SCC, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Sion Jones from Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Warrant Officer Holly Powell from Llandovery College CCF and Cadet Warrant Officers Abigail Beckett and Daniel Clements from No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

There are more than 4,400 Cadets in Wales who come from the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets. There are 1,200 youth volunteers who provide opportunities for Cadets to grow through life changing experiences, gain new skills and achieve qualifications as they enjoy fun with friends.

The event was organised by RFCA for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years. RFCA for Wales is the enabling voice for Reserves and Cadets in Wales.

The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit was awarded to Major Wynne Jones MBE. The Llanelli Reservist joined the Army in 1983 and retires later this month. During this time, he has served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reservists as vital and valued members of the Defence family. They enhance their everyday lives through adventurous and challenging experiences, learning transferable skills useful for their civilian lives and employment.

To learn more about opportunities available, visit: www.Wales-RFCA.org.